Blue-green algae found in Barton Creek at Sculpture Falls

The City of Austin is warning residents and pets from ingesting or swmming in the water in Barton Creek at Sculpture Falls.

AUSTIN, Texas - The City of Austin says that it has detected concerning levels of toxins in the water at Sculpture Falls, near MoPac and Loop 360 in west Austin.

Samples taken on Sept. 9 showed levels of cylindrospermopsin, produced by certain types of cyanobacteria or blue-green algae, above EPA guidance values for recreational use.

The city says that people and pets should not ingest or swim in the water and signs will be posted at access points to the Barton Creek Greenbelt near Sculpture Falls.

Austin authorizes 5 year, nearly $1.5M contract to manage and treat toxic algae

In 2019 the toxin made national headlines claiming the lives of three Austin dogs.

This incident is different from previous incidents of harmful algae in the Austin area in several ways, according to the city. It is a different toxin with different health effects and was found in water samples rather than in the algae, which increases the risk of human exposure from recreational use. In addition, the toxin was found at a popular swimming hole in a creek environment, rather than in a lake or reservoir.

Harmful algae may also be present in other Central Texas creeks and lakes, along with microscopic organisms such as bacteria and parasites. The city advises people and pets to avoid warm, stagnant water and steer clear of any discolored or foul-smelling water.

Scientist says toxic blue-green algae likely caused by cold weather

Most of the algae present at Lake Travis is harmless, but the LCRA said this year tests showed toxic blue-green algae mixed in.

People and pets should rinse off after being in a natural water body and avoid swimming for a few days after heavy rainfall when bacteria levels tend to be higher, says the city. There can also be physical dangers with uneven depths, debris, slippery surfaces, and strong currents.

Cylindrospermopsin may cause liver and kidney damage. According to the EPA, acute human and animal health effects of exposure to this toxin include:

Fever
Headache
Vomiting
Bloody diarrhea

Anyone who thinks they have been exposed it advised to seek medical treatment immediately and call 311 to report possible illness in people or pets from harmful algae.

Click here for more information on toxic algae.

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